“While planning and planting your vegetable gardens this spring, I ask that you consider planting a bit extra that I can pick up and deliver to a local charitable organization. I will be bringing the donated produce to Meals on Wheels. If we have a surplus, I will bring it to a local food shelf.” • Laura in Essex
“Most of us Vermonters care about local farms and the working landscape. I’m making a pledge to get out and buy direct from family farms as often as I can. Are other Front Porch Forum members willing to commit to deepen your support for our local farms this season?” • Paul in Montpelier
“If you’re a gardener, this is your time. Consider sharing that camaraderie with Operation Bloom, a home-grown volunteer group that has been beautifying Winooski for over 20 years. We are a small, dedicated cadre of enthusiasts who plant and landscape around the city.” • Janet in Winooski
Have an idea to help support your community? Get organized with FPF!
The posts started early on FPF for those looking to begin picking up and “greening up” their neighborhoods. This Saturday will find neighbors working together once again to make our communities beautiful.
“We have an amazing group of volunteer neighbors! Remember if you’re busy Saturday you really have between now and late Sunday to get it done and get your bag to the container at the Town Garage.” • Jill in Duxbury
“A group of my coworkers and I are participating in a day of service with Vermont Refugee Resettlement. We will be out “greening up” around the apartments of New Americans and hopefully planting some veggies and flowers for them to enjoy. If you have any extra seeds lying around, we would be happy to put them to good use! Or if you’re willing to lend or some basic gardening tools (gloves, trowels, etc.) for the day.”
• Haley in Burlington
Spencer in Shelburne began promoting Green-Up day early…“I think we’re going to focus on keeping it fun and accessible and getting the word out as early as possible, I’ll write silly poems and ditties on Front Porch Forum.”
Look to your neighborhood FPF to see how to “Green Up” your town!
Spring is here, and FPF members are looking to get fit with their neighbors.
“Spring is Finally Here – Let’s Play Tennis! Looking for other intermediate players to get out on the courts. Can play after 4 weekdays and anytime on the weekend. Hope to see you on the courts.”
“Hello runners. I know many of us run to clear our heads and have time alone. But sometimes it’s nice to run with other people too! I want to start a little running crew to run 3-5 miles on a regular basis, 9-10 minute mile pace. The specifics may change a little depending upon who participates. I think this could be great. Happy spring.”
• Kevin and Brittain in Morrisville
Have an idea to get outside with your neighbors and enjoy Spring? Get started on Front Porch Forum!
“I am the Town Planner and have recently been posting quite a bit about some zoning changes that the Planning Commission is working on adopting. The public has asked to be more informed about what is going on, so I have been posting information regarding planning issues, meetings, hearings, updates, etc. This has been working really well and I really appreciate having the opportunity to communicate via FPF. You all are a great asset to our community.” • Katherine in Jericho
Are your reaching out to your town officials through Front Porch Forum? They want to hear from you!
“On April 27, my 13-year-old was attacked just before 6 p.m. by a man with a folding pocketknife on the bike path near the train trestle between North Beach and Leddy Park. The man demanded my son hand over his bike and his wallet. Although my son was fortunate enough to get away with both his bike and his wallet, the man slashed him with the knife on his face and his shoulder. The cuts were superficial, but the whole event was incredibly frightening. Please take care on the bike path!”
• Lori, a Burlington South End neighborhood Front Porch Forum
UPDATE: “I’ve received several requests for a description of the man who assaulted my son on the bike path on Thursday, April 27. My son is still in shock and cannot recall all that happened, but here are the details he remembers about the man: White male, mid- to late twenties, approximately 5′ 7″ tall, average build, was wearing a very nice Nike zip-front black hoodie with the hood up and navy workout pants, and had two rings on his right hand—one on the pointer finger and one on his middle finger. The man first slashed my son while the knife was in his right hand, but then transferred the knife to his left hand before slashing my son the second time.”
In honor of Earth Day, the upcoming Climate March and Green-Up day, Front Porch Forum members share their love of our surroundings and mother earth.
“Through FPF I have gotten:
Two great bikes
A tennis racket (and a tennis instructor)
Field hockey sticks
A couch
An ironing board
Cross country skis
Reduce, reuse, recycle…. Save money and our earth by not buying new!”
• Jane in Richmond
“I’ll be driving to Montpelier on Saturday for the climate march, and have room in my car for 2-3 folks to ride along. If you’d like to join me, I’d love the company. (And it makes much more sense to carpool to a climate rally than drive alone!)”
• Sophia in Burlington
• Steve in Montpelier
“I would encourage everyone to get out and do some greening up this week. It’s a great idea to post where you’ve done cleanup.”
• Meg and Penny in Underhill
Whether you’re looking for or selling an item on FPF, members find speedy results!
“Everyone loves a bargain – last week my iPad sold 10 minutes after posting!!”
• Jean in Burlington
“Way to go Front Porch Forum! We asked for a dinghy, and within two hours had two offers.”
• Michelle in Middlebury
Front Porch Forum members experience kindness in the middle of the road.
“My Subaru died right at the stop sign – at 8 AM! Dead. Within 8 minutes, no fewer than 6 commuters stopped to ask if they could help. None of those people knew me. Thanks so much, neighbors, and especially thanks to the woman who helped me push my subie out of harm’s way! What a wonderfully heartwarming way to start the day!”
• Yvette in Morristown
“I had the terrifying experience of my car dying in the middle of Rt 2. I managed to get my car mostly off the road, but had no cell service. Chief Roland came along, arranged for a tow, called my husband and waited with me until the tow truck came. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for his concern and kindness.” • Michelle in East Montpelier
Have someone you want to thank, but don’t know how? Post it on FPF!
Front Porch Forum members ask neighbors for help in discovering the areas best finds!
“We recently moved to the area and are excited about exploring some new swimming spots. We’re compiling a list of swimming holes both small and large, and would LOVE to hear your favorite spots!”
• Alexander in Moretown
Looking to explore Vermont’s treasures? Ask your neighbors on FPF!
Recommendations often lead to great discoveries and help small Vermont businesses.
“Looking to Off-Load Your Old Vinyl Record Albums? If you have any LPs, 45s, or even older stereo equipment from the 1950’s onward, we recommend Greg of Autumn Records to see if he is interested in them. He is a very pleasant person with whom to do business – we found out about Greg through a posting on the Huntington FPF – got to love FPF.” • Nancy in Richmond
Have someone you want to recommend? Post about it on Front Porch Forum!
Ghost of Midnight is an online journal about fostering community within neighborhoods, with a special focus on Front Porch Forum (FPF). My wife, Valerie, and I founded FPF in 2006... read more